Ukraine's ambassador to US departing as Zelensky shakes up diplomats

The Ukrainian ambassador to the U.S. will depart as President Volodymyr Zelensky looks to reshape relationships in Washington amid the war with Russia.

Oksana Markarova is out as the leading U.S. diplomat, according to Ukraine’s foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha.

“She is extremely effective and charismatic, but every diplomat has a rotation cycle," Sybiha said during a Wednesday Ukrainian radio broadcast, as reported by Pravda.

Her departure comes before meetings with international leaders in Rome, who will propose efforts to help Ukraine recover from the aftermath of the war. Keith Kellogg, U.S. special envoy for Ukraine, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz are scheduled to attend the two-day conference.

The shift also comes after Zelensky’s call with President Trump last week, during which Markarova’s exit was discussed.

"I will confirm to you that the vision of the president of Ukraine is to rotate in all countries of the G7 and G20. That is, first of all, to strengthen these countries, in particular, the U.S. track," he added.

While Sybiha lauded Markarova's work, she has clashed with GOP lawmakers in Congress for her alleged partisan nature.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) called out the former ambassador last September for not inviting Republicans to attend a Pennsylvania factory visit alongside Zelensky and former Vice President Kamala Harris. 

Johnson said the move demonstrated an inability to “fairly and effectively serve as a diplomat in this country.”

In February, Markarova made headlines again for holding a hand to her face as the Oval Office spat between Trump and Zelensky escalated on camera.

The meeting was a crucial attempt to gain more funding for Ukraine’s defense systems as they fight to push Russia out of their country.

Ukraine's typical diplomatic rotation is four years, so Markarova is not being ousted but marking the end of her term after taking on the role in 2021. 

Andriy Yermak, who serves as head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, is reportedly being considered to fill the vacancy.

Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko and Olha Stefanishyna, who serves as deputy prime minister for Europe and Euro-Atlantic integration, are also being considered for the opening, according to The Guardian.